Concord, N.H. — Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a former intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve and member of the House Armed Services Committee, is continuing her efforts to reassert congressional authority over President Trump’s military strikes in international waters and military actions in Venezuela. 

“Our Constitution entrusts Congress, not the President, with the power to declare war. This is a basic check on the most consequential decisions a government can make — life or death decisions that cost American lives and American taxpayer dollars,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Congress has not authorized the use of military force for these operations, and the American people deserve answers before their sons and daughters are put in harm’s way. That’s why I’m leading the charge in Congress to ensure accountability and keep faith in our Constitution.”

The Congresswoman led two War Powers Resolutions this Congress, which the House voted on in December: 

• House Concurrent Resolution 64 would require the President to stop all U.S. military combat or attacks against Venezuela unless Congress officially declares war or passes a law specifically allowing the use of force there.
• House Concurrent Resolution 61 would require the President to stop using the U.S. military to fight alleged drug cartels in the Americas unless Congress specifically gives permission or declares an official war.

President Trump’s latest large-scale military action, unilaterally ordered against Venezuela without congressional authorization or a credible explanation, requires Congress to take action and reassert its constitutional duty.

Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander has dedicated her life to serving our country. She began her career working as a foreign policy advisor to Senator John McCain in the United States Senate and went on to serve as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve for more than a decade. In the House of Representatives, she serves as a member of the Armed Services Committee and a co-chair of the Service Women and Women Veterans Caucus. On December 10, 2025, the House overwhelmingly voted to include a provision in the Goodlander-backed National Defense Authorization Act requiring that the unedited video of the September 2 strike on a boat in the Caribbean be made available to Congress.

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